ROSNAH SAHILAN SK TAMAN TAWAU TAWAU, SABAH Eltdp symposium Teaching Pupils With Special Needs Effectively in Mainstream Classes ROSNAH SAHILAN SK TAMAN TAWAU TAWAU, SABAH

PROBLEMS??? Every class has challenging pupils. They are being put in mainstream classes where teachers aren’t equipped to deal with them In the past 2 years I’ve had several boys with high energy, low concentration skills similar to ADD and boy with autism I decided to research how to handle them and integrate them into lessons so they can also learn effectively, without being too disruptive. In this session I will share my research and the processes undertaken, as well as having attending participants discuss and plan what they can do to make a difference with pupils with special needs

Pupil’s background Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) Fail to pay close attention to details or making careless mistakes when doing school-work or other activities Trouble to keep attention or focused during play or tasks Not listening when spoken to (often being accused of "daydreaming") Fail to follow instructions or finish tasks Avoid tasks that require a high amount of mental effort and organization, such as school projects Forgetfulness. Frequently losing items required to facilitate tasks or activities, such as school supplies Easily distracted especially by friends Inability to begin an activity @ delaying

Pupil’s background Autism Autism is a "spectrum disorder," which means it is possible to be severely autistic or just mildly autistic Difficulty communicating with others Difficulty making friends Difficulty making sense of the world Resistance to change in routine Obsessive behaviours

Your perceptions??? “ What the problems will be if they are accepted in mainstream classes ?”

public perceptions They are very naughty They are dangerous to others They should not go to the mainstream school They will be bullied by others They will distract the lesson in school They are not safe in school

As a teacher what should we do?? Be positive Don’t judge @ label your pupils instantly Get to know them Talk to them and their parents more often Do the Action Research in the classroom Don’t give up easily Discuss with your friends or mentors To get more ideas @ share their experiences Keep up in your minds that “God create us always with “something special” accept them as what they are

Action research in the classroom PLAN DO LOOK/ REVIEW THINK

Activities in school

YES NO Types of activities Individual (for autism) / Small group (2 -3 pupils for ADD) task or activity Large group task Talk with the existence of visual aids such as puppets, pictures etc. Talks only or using unattractive pictures. Using interactive ICT tools ICT presentation only

Tips for T&L session Let them sit between the most quiet person & well behaved pupils in class Near to teacher’s table. Try to keep them away from windows or door More fun activities like language games in class but for them they can play the game individually @ with teacher Different pupils have different approach @ types of activities. There is where the action research started Use more visual & colourful (but not too bright) teaching aids Use simple & concrete language when you give an instruction Try not to bother them but at the same time you pay attention to them. They don’t like to be the centre of attention

conclusion As teachers we should think differently but act positively Be patient to manage them Awareness and understanding are the key of success Never blame teachers. All school staff need training in autism and ADD There is no absolute finding that can suit all the special needs pupils. Different pupil has different behaviours and characteristics

Discuss in your group Do you face the same problems? If not maybe others? How does it affect your classes? What can you do to make your T&L effective?